The 2022 Proton X70 appears to have been sighted on the Karak Expressway heading in the direction of Genting Sempah in Pahang on Instagram, and the eagle-eyed will have spotted the ‘AWD’ badge on this particular unit’s tailgate denoting the return of the all-wheel-driven variant to the X70 line The AWD version of Proton’s C-segment SUV arrived with the debut of the X70 back at the end of 2018, when it offered with the Executive trim level. This variant was dropped with the launch of the X70 facelift in February 2020 as demand was insufficient, though it now appears that the 2022 model year will see its return, as suggested by its 18-inch machine-finished alloy wheels.
The upcoming revision for the
Proton X70 also sets the scene for the local market launch of the C-segment
model with the 1.5 litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine, a combination that
has gone on sale in Pakistan. This is the powertrain that is found in the top
X50 1.5 TGDi Flagship variant, in which it produces 177 PS and 255 Nm of
torque, sent to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. By contrast, the X70
CKD for Malaysia employs a 1.8 litre turbocharged, direct-injection
four-cylinder petrol with 181 hp and 300 Nm, paired with a
Volvo/Geely-developed seven-speed dual-clutch automatic.
At the launch of the CKD X70
range, the Executive variant also brought LED projector headlamps with LED
daytime running lights, automatic wipers and a powered tailgate, while the
interior was outfitted with a self-dimming rear view mirror, welcome and
footwell lamps, leatherette upholstery, six-way power-adjustable driver’s seat,
ventilated front seats and an eight-speaker audio system.
What the Executive variant
missed out on, relative to the range-topping Premium, is the advanced driver
assistance system (ADAS), and while the return of the AWD presents Proton with
the opportunity to roll out a variant with a different powertrain, the more
detailed list of equipment for the forthcoming update remains to be seen.
